Media Commission of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) asked media outlets to stay responsible and neutral during the coverage of the election process. In a joint meeting with representatives of media outlets on Wednesday, head of the IEC Media Commission listed a number of media violations committed during the elections. He asserted that media outlets that violate the election code of conduct would face legal action.
“Some outlets focused on a number of issues which were not necessary. We issued warnings to bring some positive changes in their programs and debates,” IEC Media Commission Chairperson Farida Nekazad said. "Media had to stop the programs which we believed to be problematic."
Furthermore, the commission asked media channels to only invite responsible and accountable guests to their talks shows.
“Media must not invite people from ambiguous backgrounds to talk on behalf of campaign teams,” Deputy Head of IEC Media Commission, Hashmatollah Radfar said. "Secondly, media should not exploit ethnic and racial issues."
The commission emphasized on media's crucial role in providing awareness among people and asked political analysts and civil society institutions to avoid premature speculations which would mislead public minds.
Source/Fuente: http://www.tolonews.com/elections2014/media-must-cover-elections-respons...
